Money Saving Duo

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Family Board Games On Sale!

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Board games are a great way to pass the time and right now, you can save BIG on a variety of favorites at Walmart.com.

If there is one thing the Duo fam loves, its a family board game night. And right now under the Stay at Home order we’re under here in Michigan, we’re finding ourselves playing games a whole lot more.

If you love board games or are looking to try something new while you stay at home, Walmart has many classics and new favorites currently on sale. These include:

Sorry Board Game
credit: Walmart.com

Sorry! Board Game
Regular Price: $14.99
Currently: $7.88

Connect 4 Board Game
credit: Walmart.com

Connect 4 Neon Pop Board Game
Regular Price: $24.86
Current Price: $11.99

Yahtzee Neon Pop Board Game
credit: Walmart.com

Yahtzee Neon Pop Board Game
Regular Price: $14.88
Current Price: $4.99

Ultra Dash Board Game
credit: Walmart.com

Ultra Dash Game
Regular Price: $19.99
Current Price: $9.83

Which game are you ready to play?

January 2020 Free and Fun Family-Friendly Activities in Mid-Michigan

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Are you ready to kick off the new year with fun and free family activities? We’ve scoured community calendars and Facebook event pages to find a solid list of activities that we hope your family will love and enjoy as much as ours.

fun and free family-friendly activities in Mid-Michigan

January 8th, 4-5:30 pm, it’s Open Make time at CMU! Open to 3rd – 7th grade students, Open Make is part of the CMU Center for Excellence in STEM Education and provides a great opportunity for students to try their hand at a variety of STEM related projects at no cost. RSVP and learn more here.

January 8th, 3:30-4:30 pm, stop by the Shepherd Community Library for Create, Make & Take Crafts! Open to children of all ages, the library provides all the supplies you need to create something wonderful. Learn more on the Chippewa River District Library calendar.

January 10th, 5-6:30 pm or 7-9 pm, Take the kids on a full moon stroll this month at the Sylvan Nature Preserve or at Chippewa Nature Center. Strolls at the Chippewa Nature Center are led by Interpretive Naturalists Jeanne Henderson and Michelle Fournier and begin at 5pm. Hikes at Sylvan Nature Preserve will begin at 7 pm Learn more about the stroll at the Chippewa Nature Center on Facebookor check out the Sylvan Nature Preserve on the MeetMtP.com website.

January 11th, 10 am – 4 pm, The Midland Mall is hosting its annual Kids Day event. Businesses and organizations will be on site to share kid-friendly resources and products with those who attend. Learn more on Facebook.

January 18th, 2-3 pm, Stop by the Chippewa River District Library in Mt. Pleasant to learn about Martin Luther King, Jr. through the eyes of Coretta Scott King. Rosie Chapman will be honoring the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. through a dramatic and interactive performance. Appropriate for all ages. For further details visit the Chippewa River District Library’s website.

January 19th, 2-2:30 pm, For those of you with younger ones, the Baby & Me Storytime at Barnes and Noble in Midland may be the perfect break in your day. Recommended ages are between 0-2. Learn more on Facebook.

January 25th, 1-4 pm, Stop by the City Forest in Midland to cheer on those participating in this year’s Midland Midwinter Chill Cardboard Sled Races! Participants build sleds out of card board and can win prizes. Learn more on Facebook.

January 30th, 7:30 pm, Expose your family to the arts by attending one of CMU’s Faculty Artist concerts. This one is titled ‘Rebels & Rulebreakers’ and is free to attend on campus at the Staples Family Concert Hall. For a full list of performances, visit CMU’s Event website.

Free Family Fun Events in Mid-Michigan March 2019

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Looking for some ways to welcome Spring? We’ve got you covered all March long with our list of FREE family fun events happening throughout Mid-Michigan.


Photo by Benjamin Manley on Unsplash

Calling all LEGO fans! Stop by your local Barnes & Noble for a special LEGO architecture build event on Saturday March 9th at 6pm! For those of you in mid-Michigan, Barnes & Noble is located in the Midland Mall.

It’s time for another Kids & Culture event, this time at Off-Broadway Performing Arts Studio! Stop by Saturday March 9th between 10 am – 12 noon for a fun and free family-friendly event.

Another great opportunity this month is a comedy magician show taking place at Plachta auditorium on Central Michigan University’s campus on Tuesday, March 12th at 7 pm. Trent James, the award-winning comedy magician, is sure to wow you, making this an evening of fun for everyone. Free to attend and open to the public.

Not sure if this show is right for you? The video below will give you a sneak peek into a Trent James show.

We’re told that March 12th is FREE pancake day at IHOP! Stop by and enjoy your free shortstack and, if you’re able, consider donating to help children battling critical illness while you’re there.

And if you love free food, you might want to mark down March 20th on your calendar. We’re told that Dairy Queen will be serving up free ice cream cones that day, but haven’t been able to officially confirm it. Check with your local Dairy Queen to see if they will be participating.

Stop by the Chippewa River District Library, Shepherd branch for Create, Make and Take Craft time on March 13th at 3:30pm. All materials will be provided – you just need to bring your creativity!

Grab your favorite board game and head on over to the Salvation Army in Alma on March 15th at 6pm for a free family game night! Movies will also be playing in the chapel.

Looking for an opportunity to introduce your family to the orchestra? Creative 360 in Midland will be hosting the Midland Community Orchestra Small Ensemble and invites everyone to come and listen March 15th at 7pm. More details can be found on the Great Lakes Bay Parents website.

Did you know that Michigan is one of the top maple syrup producers across the nation? In 2017 it was ranked as the 7th top producer of this sugary confection. On March 16th, your family can discover how maple syrup is made during Maple Syrup Day at the Chippewa Nature Center! The event is free for kids and members, but $5 for adults who aren’t members at this time.

Stop by the Chippewa River District Library, Veterans Memorial campus for a rescheduled family date night featuring Kim Darst from Husky Haven Sled Dogs and her incredible story of racing in the Iditarod! Attendees will get the opportunity to see her sled gear and interact with one of her dogs! Be sure to arrive early to this event taking place March 17th at 2pm. 

Take a break from technology and stop by the “Pop” in carnival taking place at Finch Fieldhouse on Central Michigan University’s campus March 22nd from 6 – 8 pm. CMU’s Recreation, Parks and Leisure services RPL 430 class is partnering with Angel Wings to host a family-fun night where kids and adults can play classic carnival games like ring toss and mini bowling. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to help support the local charity.

Are there free family-fun events we missed? Share them in the comments or on our Facebook page.

Our Movie Adventure to the Crystal, MI Box Office Theater

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We love going to the movies, but by the time you buy tickets for the entire family, it can be a long term negotiation on what you can afford at the concession stand. As a result, we are always on the lookout for a great deal.

A friend tipped us off to the Crystal Box Office in Crystal, MI as a suggestion. An affordable, single screen theater in a small town we had never stopped in before. We checked the schedule and saw that they were playing Aquaman around New Years. The boys and I were ready for an adventure to someplace new, and we set off to check it out. 

I had no idea what to expect. Maybe a small screen and long lines. But we arrived to find a parking space right in front of the theater and no wait to purchase our tickets at the old style booth that opened to the outside sidewalk. The tickets were only $4 each!

Then we got inside and found a concession stand from a bygone era, filled with the fresh smells of popcorn and other treats. For $3 you could get a huge popcorn and fountain pop for a buck.

We had the theater almost to ourselves and got a perfect spot toward the middle. The sound was great and the screen large. While we were enjoying the film we didn’t even remember that we were at a smaller theater. 

The building is a bit dated and the facility shows a little wear and tear, but it also gives it an old school charm. I would recommend this stop to anyone in the Central Michigan area looking for a fun, new spot to catch a flick on a budget. Although, you’ll want to check ahead to see if they are playing the movie you want on their only screen. 

For the most up to date listings and more information, visit their facebook page at facebook.com/crystalboxoffice.

Free Family Fun Events in Mid-Michigan January 2019

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Looking for ways to have fun together as a family in Mid-Michigan without spending any money? We found multiple events in our area just for you!

Free Family Fun Events Promo Image

Calling all families with kids 5 and under! Register at the Chippewa River District Library for a free and fun event designed to introduce your littles to solution-based learning. The Squishy Circuits Preschool STEAM event is scheduled for January 9th, 4:30-5:30pm. Get more information on the CRDL Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/events/2098083403591046/

Explore Snow Snake’s tubing hill up in Clare on January 12th where kids can go tubing for free. Hot chocolate and snacks also provided 10 am – 12 noon.

Snow Snake is also offering free introductory skiing lessons every Sunday this month beginning January 6th.

If indoor activities are more your thing during the colder months of the year, then your family may be particularly excited for the Live Birds of Prey exhibition at the Chippewa Nature Center in Midland, MI January 13th. Kids can see a variety of birds up close at 1 and 3pm.

Another indoor opportunity to check out is the 2019 Kids Day at the Midland Mall taking place January 26th. Get out of the cold and enjoy a variety of kid-friendly activities hosted at the mall in Midland. A mom-2-mom sale will also be taking place during the event.

And while you’re in town, stop by the Midland City Forest where Midland is hosting it’s first MidWinter Chill event also on January 26th. Race a cardboard sled or enjoy watching all the participants compete. Stick around to watch a professional ice carver and eat s’mores by the campfire. A full itinerary can be found here.

January is also a great month to take in some art with your littles. The Art Reach gallery will be featuring student art work from Bay, Midland, Isabella, Roscommon, Clare, Gladwin, Arenac and Ogemaw County schools. The traveling Michigan Art Education Association exhibit will be on display January 7th-January 31st.

This January is sure to fly by with all these great opportunities to have a little family fun available throughout the month. Which activity are you most excited about?

Free Family Fun Events in Mid-Michigan this December

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Looking for some free family fun in the Mid-Michigan area this holiday season? Here are just a few opportunities for you and your family to enjoy no matter your budget.

Free Family Fun Events

This December is full of holiday fun. Whether you’re looking for something to do outdoors or inside, we’ve got you covered.

Enjoy live holiday music at ArtReach in downtown Mt. Pleasant every Thursday evening from 5-8pm December 1st-December 20th. 

Downtown Mt. Pleasant is also kicking off the holiday season with its annual Christmas Weekend November 30th-December 1st. Join in on the fun and visit the participating shops and restaurants, visit a hot cocoa warming station, go for a hay ride and visit Santa. Visitors can also attend the lighted Christmas parade at 6pm December 1st. And be sure to stick around for the fireworks display directly after.

Visit the orchard and enjoy the evening with Santa on December 1st at the Leaman’s Greenapple Barn in Freeland. Can’t make it on the first? Additional dates include December 7th and 8th.

While you’re in Freeland, don’t forget to pull your car up for the annual light show at the park. Bring some snacks and tune your radio to  93.9 FM to see the lights in tune with the music. Shows kick off at 5:30pm and last about 12 minutes each. The last show is at 10pm. Pull your car up any night of the month.

Get into the Christmas spirit at the Veterans Memorial Library where they will be showing the Polar Express December 1st at 11am. This interactive opportunity features a model version of the train and a conductor ready to stamp tickets for those in attendance. Hot chocolate and bells to be provided.

December 4th you can visit the movie theater for FREE! Wear you pajamas and bring a non-perishable food item for your chance to win a door prize. Popcorn and hot cocoa will be served. The North Pole Pajama Party at Celebration Cinema in mt. Pleasant kicks off at 5:30pm. Registration is required in advance. 

Looking for an opportunity to get your craft on? Then stop by the Veterans Memorial Library in downtown Mt. Pleasant on December 4th at either 5:15 pm or 6:30 pm for your chance to make holiday ornaments.

Dow Gardens is beautiful any time of year, but the Christmas season is particularly magical. Visit Dow Gardens in Midland for their annual Christmas Walk on December 6th, 7th, 8th, 14th, or 15th between 5 and 7:30 pm. Enjoy candelight, reindeer, music, and poinsettia displays. Want to take in some fireworks too? A firework show is scheduled for December 8th at 7 pm.

Christmas Cart Tours are also available on December 5th at Dow Gardens. This opportunity is exclusively available to guests with mobility issues and their families.

Love Mary Poppins? The Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant has another opportunity for an interactive movie experience taking place on December 7th. Watch the movie on the library’s big screen and receive items to use throughout the movie to make it come to life. Pizza to be provided by Dominos. Showtime scheduled for 5:30 pm.

December 8th you can stop by and visit one of Kati’s dietetic student volunteers at the Health and Safety Fair taking place at the Zion Lutheran Church in Mt. Pleasant from 9am – 12 noon. She’ll be at the Around the Plate booth to share some positive holiday food vibes alongside other health professionals offering a variety of screening services at no cost to families.

A free breakfast and snack items will be provided and prizes given every 15 minutes. An inexpensive Christmas store for those 6 years and under will also be available with free gift wrapping too.

Another option on December 8th is the Midland TubaChristmas taking place downtown at the H hotel at 2 pm. It’s the third annual showing and destined to be a good time. Play the tuba, euphonium or baritone? You can join in on the performance. More information about this event can be found here. 

Or stop by the Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm in Clare, Michigan December 8th to join children’s book writer Sue Thoms, author of the 12 Days of Christmas in Michigan, who will be visiting the farm from 11am-3pm.

Later in the evening on December 8th, take the family to Central Michigan University for the Dance Minor Showcase at Plachta Auditorium. The show starts at 7 pm.

Looking to connect with other parents and have some kid-free time? The Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant is hosting a Caregivers Dinner Night on December 20th at 6pm. Childcare and dinner is provided.

We hope you and your family have fun all month long!

Know of other free events taking place this month for families to enjoy? We’d love to know all about it. Share your events in the comments below.